A peck of powdered pectin Peter Piper picked.
If Peter Piper picked a peck of powdered pectin,
Where’s the peck of powdered pectin Peter Piper picked?
Say that 10 times in a row!
Anyway! There’s more than one kind of pectin, so if you’re confused when you visit the canning aisle, here’s the lowdown.
Pectin is a natural substance that is found in varying amounts in fruits, and causes fruit to gel. (Under-ripe fruit has more pectin than over-ripe fruit.) There is a lot of pectin in cores and peels, particularly. You can make a number of fruit recipes without adding pectin at all, relying solely on the natural pectin already in the fruit, though usually this requires a longer cooking time. Adding commercial pectin allows for reduced cooking time and can (sometimes) create a fresher-tasting end result and a higher yield. And, honestly, it’s easier. You can even add pectin to a recipe that doesn’t call for it. If you have trouble getting your jellies to jelly, try adding pectin next time. Powdered pectin is stirred into the fruit and brought to a boil before the sugar is added. You can buy powdered pectin in the regular form or the no sugar needed type.
Some recipe instructions call for liquid pectin. Powdered pectin and liquid pectin aren’t using interchangeably. Liquid pectin is added after all the other ingredients have been brought to a boil.
You can also get a special freezer jam pectin that can be mixed in with fruit and sugar–with no cooking required!
To learn more, you need one of these:
It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by the Ladies of Auburn Meadow Farm. You can see their beautiful rare-breed cows and visit them here.
For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (April 14). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (April 15). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).
Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.
UPDATE 04/15/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment number #86, Vivian. Email me at [email protected] with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
Lynette says:
Love all of your useful canning tips. Would love to be entered for a BBB… 😀 …thanks for the chance to win!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:26 am
vicki says:
Yes I need to know more. Please enter me in the bbb.
On April 14, 2011 at 4:14 am
Jean - MN says:
Oh — BBB please – Thanks
On April 14, 2011 at 4:49 am
Laura Newton says:
Please enter me.
On April 14, 2011 at 5:38 am
Rockyshore says:
I’d like to play BBB, please. :shimmy:
On April 14, 2011 at 6:18 am
Jeanne says:
Just had my first strawberries of the season – ready to make jam now! BBB please! : )
On April 14, 2011 at 6:23 am
Karen says:
Can you comment on why my (and other’s) strawberry jam has a “dusty” or slightly metallic aftertaste? I notice it every time I eat it especially when I eat the jam straight (heh). It seems to only occur with strawberry jam. Thanks for any insights.
On April 14, 2011 at 6:29 am
jim says:
BBB Book please
On April 14, 2011 at 6:47 am
Hamp Girl says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 6:48 am
Rose in Vermont says:
Jam season is just around the corner! Me, me me! Pleeaseee.
On April 14, 2011 at 6:49 am
justdeborah2002 says:
please enter me….BBB…thanks!
On April 14, 2011 at 6:56 am
Debbie says:
would love to have a BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 7:14 am
Suzanne_Arlene says:
I would love to have a BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 7:20 am
cricketjett says:
BBB, please!!!
On April 14, 2011 at 7:27 am
Kelly Jo Kirby says:
I so want the BBB. I have never made jam or jellies but would make some if I won, I promise!
On April 14, 2011 at 7:29 am
Jana NC says:
Would love a BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 7:31 am
Renee says:
OK, now I really need this book so I can learn all about canning and all that goes with it. I would love to have one.
On April 14, 2011 at 7:34 am
Gem says:
Pick me, pick me, pick MEE for the BBB 🙂
On April 14, 2011 at 7:53 am
lilac wolf says:
BBB I have a Little House cookbook and in it it says that for jams they used a mixture of ripe and under-ripe fruit, the under ripe fruit provided the pectin the ripe fruit the flavor.
On April 14, 2011 at 7:55 am
Megan Duff says:
BBB Please and thank you!!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:04 am
Glenie says:
Oh, I would love to win the BBB just in time for the Spring canning season. BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 8:06 am
Bonnie says:
BBB, please! :fairy:
On April 14, 2011 at 8:08 am
gfoulds says:
Would love to be included .. Please and Thank You !!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:10 am
Anke says:
BBB please.
On April 14, 2011 at 8:13 am
morningstar says:
Please could I be entered for the BBB drawing. Thank you
On April 14, 2011 at 8:16 am
Amy I. says:
BBB for me please….I’m ready to start!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:18 am
windspiritwhimsies says:
Would love a try at pickin’ some pectin! Please BBB! :hungry:
On April 14, 2011 at 8:22 am
Zusiqu says:
Yes! I need one of those! BBB Please?
On April 14, 2011 at 8:24 am
Connie says:
I’d love to win it!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:24 am
langela says:
Please enter me for the BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:24 am
Denise says:
BBB please 🙂
On April 14, 2011 at 8:27 am
Lori Dunn says:
Pectin Packed in a powder keg! BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 8:46 am
Mary Hall says:
Ohhh, please enter me in the BBB.
Thank you,
Mary :shocked:
On April 14, 2011 at 8:48 am
Pam says:
Gardening and canning season are upon us. I NEED that BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:50 am
Trudy says:
Just used pectin to make 27 pints of wonderfully delightful strawberry jam and the price of pectin is worth it…BBB, please!!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:57 am
JerseyMom says:
Strawberries are right around the corner. BBB entry for me, please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:06 am
Maria says:
I am looking forward to canning again this year! BBB, Please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:15 am
prayingpup says:
I’m anxious to try my hand at jams and jellies. BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:22 am
Amy says:
BBB Please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:26 am
Denise says:
I would love one. Thanks for the chance! BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 9:27 am
Sheepie-girl says:
Please pick ME for the BBB!!!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:31 am
Pam C in Canada says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:33 am
LeAnn says:
BBB, please :happyflower:
On April 14, 2011 at 9:38 am
mygirls01 says:
bbb please! 🙂
On April 14, 2011 at 9:43 am
marymac says:
for sure I need a BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 9:47 am
Sherri says:
BBB please! And has anyone found this book for sale anywhere. I haven’t looked yet this month, but every time I search for it all my usual places are out of stock or backordered or something and I NEED a BBB.
On April 14, 2011 at 9:47 am
Tammy B says:
I would love to win this book! Enter me please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:52 am
judithann says:
BBB for me, please – Thanks!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:54 am
Ashlee says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 10:16 am
Mim says:
BBB please….
On April 14, 2011 at 10:17 am
Pat says:
Please enter me in the BBB, Thank you!
On April 14, 2011 at 10:20 am
Ramona says:
BBB Please
MN Mona
On April 14, 2011 at 10:26 am
annabel52 says:
Persistent Pectin Problems!! I need a BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 10:33 am
Carrie Johnston says:
BBB Please
On April 14, 2011 at 10:50 am
Nancy Stickler says:
I did not know that… all the more reason to need a BBB! :butterfly:
On April 14, 2011 at 10:52 am
Ramona says:
BBB please, that’s a tongue twister.
On April 14, 2011 at 10:54 am
Diane says:
I would like to win the book, thanks, BBB.
On April 14, 2011 at 10:59 am
Renee says:
BBB, please!
On April 14, 2011 at 11:13 am
Alison says:
Would love to have the BBB, please.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:14 am
tami says:
BBB please.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:16 am
Nadeanne says:
Pick me for a BBB!!
On April 14, 2011 at 11:18 am
Rosemeri says:
Thanks, and please BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 11:23 am
Donna I. says:
Please enter me for the BBB.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:24 am
Miss Becky says:
a huge thank-you to the Ladies of Auburn Meadow Farm for sponsoring this giveaway. and Suzanne I love the illustration for this post! very nice. and thanks for all the useful information about pectin – a lot of it I didn’t know. BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 11:24 am
Donna says:
Thanks for all the hard work you put into this web site. I’m learning more and more about preserving food, raising chickens,and would love to learn more about canning, freezing, and making my own jellies……Please enter me in the BBB because I sure could use it.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:25 am
CrystalGB says:
I would love to have the BBB. 🙂
On April 14, 2011 at 11:27 am
tea4too0 says:
I would like to be entered, please. Thank you.
T
On April 14, 2011 at 11:31 am
melody says:
I would love a bbb.thank you for the chance.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:37 am
Ann says:
I want to learn how to can. BBB !
Thank you.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:40 am
Cat M says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 11:47 am
Gerry says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 11:51 am
geena22 says:
BBB Please :happyfeet:
On April 14, 2011 at 11:54 am
Jennifer B says:
BBB, please!
On April 14, 2011 at 11:57 am
Belinda Richardson says:
I used the powdered pectin last summer to make peach preserves. I entered them in the county fair and won a ribbon. 🙂 BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 11:58 am
momof3inOKLA says:
I used the liquid pectin last year for my blackberry jam, tasted great. BBB please.
On April 14, 2011 at 12:21 pm
debby68 says:
I have had mixed results with pectin. I never realized higher yields could be possible so I think it would be good to revisit using pectin again. Thanks for another chance at winning BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Kelly says:
BBB Me, it’s my birthday lol
On April 14, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Natalie says:
What’s not to love about BBB….thanks for the chance
On April 14, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Naomi says:
BBB please !
On April 14, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Christina Bredenkamp says:
Include me in the BBB draw!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Kathleen H in Indiana says:
BBB would be lovely!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:17 pm
mammaleigh says:
I would love to get a BBB!!
Thanks!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:18 pm
AnnieB says:
Yes, BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:40 pm
BeverlyC says:
BBB, Please & Thank You!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Deb Colucci says:
BBB me please!!
On April 14, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Vivian says:
Would love a copy of BBB!!! Thank you!!
On April 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Amy says:
BBB, pretty please :happyflower:
On April 14, 2011 at 2:18 pm
mamajoseph says:
Thanks for the post, I’m learning so much! But I still need The Book. Pick me!
On April 14, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Susan in Wisconsin says:
You should write a book. Really. I’ve learned more about canning reading your website than from several of the canning books I’ve borrowed from the library. Sign me up for the BBB and get busy on a book! Please!
On April 14, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Jennifer Mossman says:
BBB Please.
On April 14, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Lindsay says:
Karen – are you using an aluminum pan/pot to cook the jam in? That might have something to do with it. If you’re using stainless steel and wooden utensils to make it, then I don’t know why your jam would taste that way (also, I do my jam right out of the jar sometimes, too lol!).
Thanks for the pectin tips, Suzanne! BBB please! :sun:
On April 14, 2011 at 2:56 pm
ladychef68 says:
BBB
Thanks Ladies and Suzanne!
On April 14, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Karen says:
BBB 🙂
On April 14, 2011 at 3:08 pm
WolfWalker says:
BBB please 🙂
On April 14, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Luann says:
BBB please
On April 14, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Jennifer B says:
I would love to be entered for the BBB book!!!!
On April 14, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Pamela Adkins says:
I could really use the BBB (please), so I know and how much of to plant! Pretty please!!
On April 14, 2011 at 3:43 pm
ktlovespie says:
BBB please!
Love to start canning this summer.
On April 14, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Michelle says:
Enter me for a BBB, please!
On April 14, 2011 at 4:19 pm
GaPeach says:
BBB, please!
On April 14, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Rita Brown says:
Ohh…I NEED this book so bad! I’m tired of running to the computer to find canning info! My mom had a 1960’s version of this book and we need something more up to date!! Oh, would make me so HAPPY!! :snoopy:
On April 14, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Rita Brown says:
Oh ..almost forgot “BBB” :snoopy:
On April 14, 2011 at 4:37 pm
patrice says:
BBB for me-me-me.
On April 14, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Kristen says:
Would like to play BBB, please.
On April 14, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Martha in KS says:
Sorry, but I despise all peppers. But I’d sure like a BBB.
When I was a child, my family had the book your poem came from. Thanks for the memory.
On April 14, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Jennifer S says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 5:54 pm
Mountain Sunshine says:
Would love the BBB – Thanks!
On April 14, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Teresa says:
BBB please
On April 14, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Connie says:
BBB Please! :shimmy:
On April 14, 2011 at 6:31 pm
shirley lockhart says:
Thank you for the useful info. I have always used the powdered pectin for making my jellies. Please put my name in the BBB drawing.
On April 14, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Linda Goble says:
I would love to have a BBB please, thank you :happyflower:
On April 14, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Barbie says:
Sure would love to have a BBB!! Thanks for the info about pectin. I also have eaten strawberry jam “straight”. :sun:
On April 14, 2011 at 7:16 pm
brookdale says:
BBB pleeeeease! Thanks to the Ladies of Auburn Meadow Farm for sponsoring this. And you too, Suzanne!
On April 14, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Theresa Winstead says:
BBB please! Ready to learn more good stuff!
On April 14, 2011 at 7:49 pm
liz says:
BBB Please
On April 14, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Judy F says:
please enter me for the BBB.
:happyflower:
On April 14, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Amanda says:
I need a BBB for this canning season!
On April 14, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Barbara W says:
:shimmy: :shimmy: BBB Please :shimmy: :shimmy:
On April 14, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Laurie says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Rys says:
Please ad me to the BBB list. Thanks for the link to the Devon cattle.I enjoyed visiting it!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Ruth C says:
BBB, please!
On April 14, 2011 at 9:51 pm
courtneyb says:
I just found the no sugar needed pectin for 97 cents a box at Krogers clearance priced. I grabbed 4 just in case I had the urge to make jelly! BBB please.
On April 14, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Sam says:
BBB please!
On April 14, 2011 at 10:32 pm
farmershae says:
Thank you, Ladies of Auburn Meadow Farm! Oh magic randomizer in the sky, please pick me for the BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Mafong says:
I would enjoy having my own BBB!
On April 14, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Shar says:
Please enter me in the BBB drawing! Thank you, Suzanne and the sponsors for having it! BBB
On April 14, 2011 at 11:09 pm
EightPondFarm says:
Thank you Auburn Meadow Farm. What beautiful cows! BBB, please.
On April 14, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Brittany P. says:
BBB for me please. :happybutterfly:
On April 15, 2011 at 8:06 am
Mary LeCompte says:
I’m ready to learn how to make hard cheeses! Sign me up BBB.
Thanks,
Mary
On April 15, 2011 at 9:55 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment number #86, Vivian.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
On April 15, 2011 at 10:24 am